BRIDES 2019 by The Farmville Herald

s e d i r B JANUARY 2019

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

The Farmville Herald The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch The Charlotte Gazette

First Wedding held at Hotel Weyanoke Bride Kaitlin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien and groom Jesse Broadwater held their wedding at Hotel Weyanokeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catbird Rooftop Terrace in September 2018. The reception was held at Campagna. cover photo and the photos on this page by Kyra Bailey at Honeycomb Photography.

Your dream setting BY TITUS MOHLER

he Heart of Virginia is home to several picturesque wedding venues, each of which offers uniquely exquisite environments that can enhance the big event. There are also a variety of places in addition to those venues that can specifically host occasions connected to weddings, like rehearsal dinners. This article will not provide an exhaustive list of venues, but it will highlight a few, aiding in the search. Carolyn Baldwin Lake Pavilion (CBLP), in Cumberland County, has been open as a business for eight years. CBLP General Manager Joanna Baldwin said she feels like the two things that set the pavilion apart are its scenery and strong customer service, the latter of which is bolstered by valuable experience gained over the years. Describing the setting, she said, “I feel like our focus is mostly the landscape around the venue being waterfront and being so private. It’s very nice that you’re surrounded by nature. And we’re seasonal, so we’re only (open) April through November ... due to mostly being an outdoor venue. But we offer, I like to call it rustic chic or rustic elegant, so we’re more laidback,

Carolyn Baldwin Lake Pavilion, in Cumberland County, offers a wedding venue on the waterfront that can be described as rustic chic or rustic elegant.

country feeling-type of people, so that reflects in our venue, I feel.” CBLP has a maximum capacity of 130, Baldwin said. Visit www.carolynbaldwinlakepavilion.com for more information. Other venue options in Cumberland include The

Barn at Timber Creek and the Farmville Golf Course Banquet Room. Caryn’s Bridals, Formals & Tuxedos has a store located in Farmville and a chapel located in Rice that collectively meets most needs related to weddings. Key venues in the Town of Farmville include The

4 Historic Farmville Train Station, and established as a new, strong rehearsal dinner host is Campagna, the modern Italian restaurant located at the Hotel Weyanoke. CountyLine Vineyard & Venue (CLVV) is technically located in Prince Edward County, but as its name indicates, it is on the line that divides Prince Edward and Charlotte counties, possessing a Charlotte Court House address. “We offer an off-the-beaten-path rustic, but chic wedding venue,” CLVV Vice President Jennifer Conkwright said. “Our goal is to provide a place where the wedding couple feels free to use their own creativity to achieve the most personalized wedding experience possible. Our wedding package allows time the day prior to the event for decorating, rehearsal and even the rehearsal dinner.

Our new destination wedding weekend package will even further enhance a couples’ wedding experience by allowing them to spend more time with their family and friends by staying on-site.” The CLVV website notes that all packages include tables and chairs for up to 140 people for the ceremony and reception. The business had its grand opening in October 2017. Visit www.countylinevenue.com for more information. Waverly Estate, located in Lunenburg County, was purchased in May 2016, and the owners began advertising it as a wedding venue in winter of the same year. Owner and Event Coordinator Sarah Brown said that Waverly Estate is open mid-March through mid-December.

“I think what sets us apart the most is being able to be a full weekend wedding where people can arrive on Friday (and) stay through Sunday,” Brown said. “It just gives them a lot more time to relax and actually enjoy their wedding and extend it through the whole weekend and spend time overnight with their family, their friends, their wedding party. And we offer indoor and outdoor ceremony options, which is great, because most people want an outdoor ceremony, but being able to have that option of a beautiful Plan B is kind of hard to find nowadays.” She also noted that Waverly Estate has a significantly expansive capacity, having hosted several 300-person weddings and being able to accommodate up to 200 people for a seated dinner. Visit www.waverlyestate.com for more information.

An arch draped in greenery and covered chairs populate an outdoor ceremony setting at CountyLine Vineyard & Venue on the Prince Edward and Charlotte county line.

An aerial view of CountyLine Vineyard & Venue, located on the line of Prince Edward and Charlotte counties, helps highlight its off-the-beaten-path nature.

SARAH ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY

This photo highlights the picturesque ceremony tree providing a canopy to an exterior venue option that Lunenburg County’s Waverly Estate offers for weddings, nicely complementing the indoor option also available there.

Cut blooms that will last the longest

lowers may look beautiful in gardens or when snipped and brought inside to brighten up a mantel or dining table. Unfortunately, cut flowers have a finite shelf life. While cut blooms can’t live forever, certain varieties will outlast others. Choosing flowers wisely for wedding centerpieces or keepsakes can help couples enjoy selected flowers longer. • Peonies: Peonies can last for about a week or two when brought indoors. HGTV says to snip the stems when the buds are tight, wrap them in newspaper and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to arrange. • Zinnias: These bright blooms can last for three to four weeks and are best harvested in summer. Related to the sunflower, zinnias are available in a wide range of colors. • Chrysanthemums: Widely referred to as “mums,” these midsummer-tolate-fall flowers can last between three and four weeks after being cut. Mums can be used to fill out floral displays because they tend to be inexpensive but durable flowers. • Coneflower: The purple coneflower is popular, but coneflowers are available in many colors aside from purple. Coneflowers attract butterflies and are beautiful in cut displays. • Ranunculus: Ranunculus mimic the look of roses and display layer after layer of silky, crepe-like petals. These

blooms can last a week or more in vases if they’re put in water right after being cut. • Carnations: Another budget-friendly flower, carnations are popular from early spring until late summer. Available in many hues, they can be used in conjunction with other blooms to create well-rounded floral displays that may last between two and three weeks. • Lilies: Lilies are traditional flowers that are beautiful to behold. Lilies are available in various sizes and colors and can be bought fresh year-round.

Lilies often last longer than a week after being cut. Look for lilies with tight buds, as such flowers tend to last the longest. • Gladioli: The lovely flowers of the verticalgrowing gladiolus, which is sometimes referred to as the “sword lily,” are available in yellow, peach, pink, white and other hues. These bulb-based plants can last up to two weeks after being cut and add variety and texture to floral displays. Although advice varies on how to keep cut flowers fresh the longest, veteran florist Carolyn Jones of Carter’s Flower Shop in Farmville advises that to keep flow-

ers fresh, use the preservative packets that are provided with your flowers. At Carter’s they use Floralife, which is a flower food and preservative. Jones went on to say that re-cutting the stems and changing the water really extends the life of the flowers. When asked how often to cut the stems and change the water, Jones said, “Ideally you should cut them every day and change the water but at least every couple of days.” She also suggested keeping the flowers in a cool location and out of direct sunlight. “During cooler months you can put flowers outside during the night, as long as it’s not freezing, and bring them in during the day, and that really can make a huge difference and extend the life of the flowers,” Jones said. Another tip she shared is to put the arrangement in the fridge at night, if there’s room, and take them out in the morning, which also extends the life of the flowers.

How to handle rain on your wedding day

rides and grooms fear the prospects of rainy wedding days. But even couples who have contended with everything from a few drops to an all-out deluge on their wedding days look back fondly on the ceremonies and receptions. In fact, how couples handle any precipitation can affect how happy the festivities may be. • Have a rainy day game plan. Rain affects outdoor weddings more than any other type of ceremony or reception. If the goal is to exchange vows outdoors, work with the venue to make this possible with a tent or gazebo. However, if the weather is especially foul and windy, move it indoors. • Invest in golf umbrellas. Couples who live in notoriously damp climates can purchase golf umbrellas, which tend to be larger than the average umbrella, and keep them stationed in decorated stands to ease transi-

tions between wedding sites and keep everyone as dry as possible. • Wear waterproof cosmetics. Women in the bridal party, including the bride, can ask their makeup artists to use durable, waterproof products. This can help salvage beautifully composed looks should some drops begin to fall. • Know vendors’ rain policies. Some live musicians will not play in damp weather. Florists may need to make accommodations for arrangements blowing in the wind. Couples need to understand what they’re responsible for and what may be covered if a weather event occurs. Wedding insurance may help cover the costs of nonrefundable cancellations. • Move past it quickly. It is OK to get upset if the weather turns for the worse. But don’t dwell on it. Guests will sense negative energy, and couples should set the tone of sticking

it through despite a little adversity — which can be a good lesson for the marriage as well. • Embrace the rain. While a couple probably won’t wish for rain, there are some benefits to overcast skies. Flowers are less likely to wilt in rainy conditions. In the absence of bright

sunlight, outdoor photographs can really pop. Rain is romantic and may compel couples and their guests to cuddle close. Don’t let rain on a wedding day become a drag. With preparation and perspective, couples can handle rainy wedding days.

Make healthy habits a part of wedding preparations

fter the big question is popped and loving partners decide to spend their lives together as a married couple, a whirlwind of activity will ensue. Although wedding planning is exciting, some couples may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions that need to be made before they can tie the knot. In this state of increased pressure, stress may build and health could falter. According to a Cornell University study, more than 70 percent of bridesto-be have weight loss on the brain, but shedding pounds shouldn’t be the only health factor to consider. Here are some easy ways to stay mentally and physically fit in advance of a happy wedding day. • Get daily exercise. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping stress levels in check. Exercise also can boost mood. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Strength training exercises performed at least twice a week complete a well-balanced exer-

Couples can exercise together to maintain physical and mental well-being as they count down to their wedding day.

cise regimen. • Slow down and relax. Those who go full-throttle with all of their responsibilities — including wedding planning — may burn out. Stress can weaken the immune system and make

people vulnerable to illness. Schedule some time for date nights with your fiancé, and don’t overlook the benefits of hanging out with friends and getting away from wedding planning for a bit. • Eat body-boosting foods. The foods

we eat can impact everything from energy levels to skin radiance. Foods like berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, greens, green tea and dark chocolate all contain antioxidants that boost the immune system, states The Food Network. Avoid drastic diets that can do more harm than good. Simply cutting 500 calories a day can help the average person lose a pound per week if weight loss is a goal. Simple ways to trim calories are to choose skim milk over whole milk and choose low-calorie snacks. • Cut down on alcohol consumption. Toasting to the future with a glass of wine may become rote in the months leading up to the wedding, but alcohol is a diuretic and a source of liquid calories. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and cause it to hold onto water. When imbibing, stick to low-calorie cocktails like a vodka spritzer (60 to 80 calories) instead of a calorie-laden frozen margarita (300 calories). Feeling and looking one’s best starts long before the wedding day. By making health a priority, couples can start their new lives together on healthy footing.

uilding a wedding registry is a task unlike any other couples may encounter during their lifetimes. Wedding registries are invaluable resources that provide engaged couples’ loved ones with gift suggestions. In spite of that value, couples may find it daunting and even a little uncomfortable to build their wedding registries. Building a wedding registry can feel like walking a tightrope. Couples likely won’t want to ask for too much or for gifts that are too expensive, but a poorly built registry can be a major inconvenience for guests. The following tips can help couples build adequate registries that benefit them without asking too much of their guests. • Register with more than one store. It’s important to register with more than one store. Doing so makes things as convenient as possible for guests

Wedding registry tips and increases the chances they will be able to shop at stores they’re familiar with. Unless your guest list is predominantly local, try to register with at least one national chain so guests who live in different regions can shop for gifts in-person if they prefer to do so. • Make a large list. Some couples are hesitant to make large wedding registries, feeling that doing so gives the impression that they’re asking for too much. But large registries simply give guests more options to choose from. Many industry insiders advise registering for two to three gifts per guest. That might seem like a lot, but guests will appreciate having all of those options. • Don’t hesitate to include expensive items on your registry. Couples also may be hesitant to include especially expensive items on their wedding registries. However, the couples’ parents

and other close relatives may be honored to purchase more expensive items, so couples should not feel embarrassed to include them on their lists. It’s also important to note that many retailers, after couples’ wedding days have come and gone, discount registry items that weren’t purchased. So even if no one purchases the more expensive items, including them on a registry may significantly reduce their cost for couples who want to buy such items themselves after tying the knot. • Vary the prices of items on the list. In addition to including more expensive items on the registry, make sure to include moderately priced and inexpensive items. This gives guests more options and ensures guests who might be spending a lot to travel to and from the wedding can still purchase gifts without digging too much deeper into their pockets. • Periodically update the registries. Periodically update your registries

to remove items you have already received and to add items if many of the less expensive ones have already been purchased. This also makes things more convenient for guests. Building a wedding registry is a unique task that couples can embrace as their wedding day draws near.

Creating the perfect fit BY EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH

djacent to the decorated entrance of Caryn’s Bridal on 233 N. Main St. is a door that leads to the bridal shop’s upstairs room. Past the fitting studio where guests get their gowns or formal wear to look just right is a back room. Inside this room is where the magic happens. Gowns wrapped in thick garment covers line the walls and racks. A sewing machine hums in the right-hand corner. Before the fancy wedding, before the exchange of vows, before the bride takes home that perfect dress, the experts at Caryn’s Bridal make alterations. Everything related to fitting starts here in this room. The world of alterations and fitting, particularly for a wedding, can feel new and uncertain.

Caryn’s Bridal, a staple of Farmville’s Main Street for more than 30 years, is a one-stop shop for dress alterations and unveiling the mystery and questions associated with the process. It’s important to note that the shop’s alteration services don’t just extend to wedding gowns. They alter formal wear, mother-of-the-bride and motherof-the-groom dresses and bridesmaids dresses. Each gown, each person, is unique. Caryn’s Bridal Owner Caryn Kayton said one Friday as she and two specialists, Mabel Hawkes and Cindi Wegner, altered dresses that they have taken on some cool requests. They have added sleeves to wedding dresses before. One bride even asked the team to convert her prom dress into a wedding dress. Perhaps the first

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH

Cindi Wegner uses a steamer to remove wrinkles from a dress.

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH

Mabel Hawkes sews a segment of a wedding dress.

10 question when considering a wedding dress is how the process begins. Kayton says the bridal shop representatives take the person’s measurements and orders the dress that corresponds to their sizes. Once the dress is delivered to the store, Kayton and the other seamstresses alter the dress to tailor the gown even more to the bride’s measurements. “When the dress comes in, then we fit it perfectly to their body,” Kayton said. “Alterations typically have to be done once,” Kayton said, though additional alterations can be made in some cases. It can take up to six months for the dress to be delivered to the store, Kayton said. The carefully tasked alterations what Kayton, Hawkes and Wegner were doing at the shop can take approximately a month, followed by the future bride

or dress owner making an appointment to try the dress on. At the appointment, Kayton and other specialists fit the dress. If all is well, Kayton said the future bride or guest then takes the dress home. Kayton said common questions she receives from guests are if all dresses can be hemmed, for example, and what if someone gains weight or loses weight in between the time they order the dress and get fitted for the dress. While there are exceptions, Kayton said, “I’ve hardly ever seen a dress that I couldn’t hem.” She went on to say, “We can change it up to a couple of sizes either way.” Alterations take precision and can be exacting work, especially when the demand for alterations is high. Kayton and the specialists at the bridal shop are more than up to the task.

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH

Caryn Kayton uses a pin to secure a strap in place for a wedding dress.

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH

Caryn Kayton uses pins to mark areas on the dress to be altered.

A wedding day shaving guide for grooms

rooms are often content to let their brides-to-be shine on their wedding day. But weddings are a showcase of the two people getting married … and grooms matter! Grooms can take steps to look handsome and polished but may wonder what they can do to put their best feet forward when all eyes and cameras are facing their way. Addressing skin care and proper shaving techniques are essentials. Although shaving is a seemingly simple task, some men struggle through the process because they haven’t mastered the basics for a clean, comfortable shave. Grooms who do not already have beards should be clean shaven for their wedding days. Brickell Men’s Products advises that the first step to a good shave is to

shower before shaving. The warm water and steam will open up pores and follicles, allowing the hair to protrude as much as possible out of the skin. The more it sticks out, the cleaner the shave will be. Many men fail to prep their skin before shaving. It is important to rinse the face with a pre-shave soap and warm water to remove excess oil and dead skin that clogs razor blades. Try a nonlathering or natural shave cream that does not contain the potentially irritating chemicals that create the lathering effect but will still offer lubrication to help get a closer shave. The right razor can make all the difference. While an electric shaver can serve in a pinch, come the day of the wedding, work with a traditional razor, either disposable or cartridge style. Start with a fresh, new and sharp

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blade so it is effective. Some men prefer a single blade for a close shave, while others like razors with multiple blades. Grooms should use what has worked for them in the past, as now is not the time to experiment. While shaving, go with and against the grain or what feels comfortable to take off the hair without having to go over areas repeatedly and risk irritating the skin. Gillette advises rinsing blades often during shaving. However, do not tap the razor against the sink to dislodge the whiskers, as this can damage or dull the razor. Finish up by rinsing with cool water and applying a moisturizer or specially designed aftershave product. It can

take up to 48 hours for skin to heal after a shave and keeping it hydrated can diminish irritation.

Seven wedding tricks to make the big day easier

edding planning is no small task. From sending out engagement announcements to gifting guests with take-home favors, couples will pour over scores of details as they plan their weddings. As if selecting a photographer or choosing the right passed appetizers isn’t challenging enough, some unknown variables are sure to pop up on the big day as well. Couples can take their cues from others who have walked the aisle before them with these tricks of the trade, which may help couples’ wedding days go smoothly. 1. Host everything at a single location. Couples who want to simplify their wedding day can select a site that can host the ceremony and reception and also house guests. The cost of such facilities may be more affordable than couples think, as transportation costs will be minimal

and the venue may offer discounts on group packages. 2. Think about a day coordinator. Couples who cannot afford a wedding planner to handle all of the details often find that a day-of-service provider is within their budget. This person can handle all of the details of the wedding day so brides and grooms can fully immerse themselves in the festivities. 3. Bring extra cash. Unexpected expenses may pop up. Couples may have to feed an extra member of the band or a guest who was able to get a babysitter at the last minute. Brides and grooms may want to offer a bigger tip than anticipated to the waitstaff or DJ who went above and beyond. 4. Learn how to bustle. Walking around with a free-flowing train all day can become tiring for brides. Brides should make sure that one person practices how to bustle the

train and will step in to do so for the reception. Also, it may not be the height of fashion, but having a garbage bag on hand can keep the train clean during inclement weather, or if the bride has to trek across grass or soil for photo opportunities. 5. Give an outgoing person a job. Enlist a boisterous friend or family member to wrangle guests for photo opportunities. He or she can be the photographer’s helper and give the happy couple one less thing to do. 6. Stock the bathroom. Some venues will have courtesy items for their guests, but couples also should bring their own necessities, such as breath mints, toothpaste, extra pantyhose, hairspray, lip gloss and/or sanitary pads. 7. Be all smiles. Couples can’t predict everything that

will happen on their wedding day, but they can help create the mood. Smiling couples can make things better for everyone, even when zippers break or someone gets the chicken instead of the salmon.

Wedding insurance can ease nerves

ouples spend thousands of dollars on their wedding ceremony and celebrations. The cost of a wedding varies depending on geographic location, but according to the business and financial resource Business Insider and The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the U.S. costs $31,391. Insurance policies can help couples protect their wedding investment. Special event insurance provides coverage for various scenarios, including extreme weather, damaged gifts, lost jewelry, vendor cancellations or no-shows, venues closing before the wedding and canceled weddings, according to Travelers Insurance. Insurance also may cover other unforseen scenarios, such as unexpected expenses from injuries during the wedding or spoiled food. Policies will pay directly for any damage or injuries that occur or reimburse the couple if the wedding is postponed or canceled. If weddings occur at home, some people’s home insurance

or umbrella policies may cover certain wedding liabilities. Most wedding venues carry their own liability insurance, so couples may not have to overlap there. However, for those who desire extra protection for vendor mishaps, it is wise to speak with an insurance professional about special wedding coverage. Prices for wedding insurance policies can start at around $100 to $200 for minimum coverage and reach $1,000 for more expensive ceremonies, according to the financial advisement website NerdWallet. Speak with an insurance agent and read policies carefully before purchasing one. Non-covered issues typically include theft or loss of an engagement ring; rainy days that do not classify as extreme weather; switching vendors after a deposit is made; and risky entertainment, such as fireworks or live animals. Protecting wedding expenditures with insurance policies can provide couples with added peace of mind on their big days.

Live wedding music

ooking a live band for a wedding or another special event can be a great idea. The atmosphere live musicians can provide is unmatched. Live musicians offer a level of excitement that may not be met by other musical options. But some couples may find the prospect of booking live entertainment a bit challenging, especially if they’ve never hired musicians for an event before. Here are some tips to make the process go smoothly. • Get recommendations. Just like you might before booking other vendors, seek advice from friends or family members who have recently gotten hitched or had live performers at their events. They may have wonderful things to say about particular bands or performers. Individuals also can consider a resource such as HireLiveMusicians.com, a global musician database that can help couples narrow down their options. • Decide on when the musicians play. Live musicians can entertain guests throughout the ceremony and reception, but the longer musicians play, the more they’re likely to cost. Work with musicians to develop a schedule that suits your budget. • Discuss the theme. Make sure musicians understand the type of atmosphere you’re hoping to create. A band that customarily plays swing or big band-era songs may not fit in at weddings with more modern themes. • Understand the fees. Musicians may have fees related to their agents, cartage (extra given to musicians who carry large equipment), mileage costs, travel time, lighting and other factors that affect the overall price. Discuss these fees before signing any agreements. • Be sure the venue fits. Live musicians are great but not if the space is too small. Otherwise, the music can be too loud and overpowering, or the band will not have adequate space to set up. Consider these factors before making any decisions.

Wedding insurance policies put protections in place that can reimburse couples should weather or other issues interfere with their wedding day bliss.

Factors to consider before including Fido

ets are full-fledged members of many families and even, apparently, families-to-be. In its 2016 American Wedding Study, Brides magazine found that 8 percent of wedding ceremonies included pets. While the couples of yesteryear might have left Fido at home, many of today’s couples want their four-legged friends to be there on their big day. Though no studies to date have examined which animals are most likely to make an appearance at couples’ nuptials, it’s fair to assume that dogs, which tend to get out of the house more than most other types of pets, are the most common furry bridesmaids, grooms-

men or ring bearers. Before including dogs in their wedding plans, couples may want to consider a few factors to ensure asking Fido to be there come the big day is what’s best for couples, their guests and, of course, their beloved pooches.

ELIGIBILITY Some venues do not allow pets that are not documented assistance animals on the premises. Confirm a venue’s pet policy before purchasing any wedding day attire for your dog. Couples who are intent on including their pets in their wedding ceremonies should only consider pet-friendly facilities, which may

be hard to find. Couples who plan to take a limousine to and from their wedding also should confirm that the cars allow pets before booking.

PERSONALITY No two dogs are the same. Some dogs might love people and attention, while others might prefer one-onone time with their owners. Dogs that are sociable and unaggressive may make perfect additions to wedding ceremonies, while animals that exhibit anxiety around strangers or seem uncomfortable in noisy settings should be kept out of the ceremony.

HEALTH Dog owners also must consider their pets’ health when deciding whether or not to include them in the wedding ceremony. Couples who bonded over a love of their dog may really hope to include their furry friend in the festivities but should not do so at the expense of the animal’s health. Outdoor wedding ceremonies under sunny skies may produce potentially unhealthy conditions for certain breeds or older dogs. Dogs that have difficulty getting around may need a red wagon (and attendant) to make the rounds at the wedding.

ASSISTANCE Couples will be busy on their wedding days, so they may need to

arrange for a caretaker to look after their dog during and after the ceremony. Asking a guest or guests to play this role may be asking too much, as guests will no doubt want to celebrate without having to take care of a dog. A professional pet sitter might work, but that can be costly, as couples must pay for the sitter and will likely need to pay for the sitter to have a seat and a meal during the reception. Dogs can make great additions to weddings, but couples must consider a host of factors before deciding to have Fido join them as they tie the knot.

Reasons to take engagement photos

uring their engagements, couples will make many decisions in regard to their weddings. Wedding planning can sometimes seem like a runaway train of appointments, schedules and deadlines. As a result, some couples do not take the time to enjoy being engaged, which is a special and unique time in their lives. Engagement photo shoots can be a unique way for couples to commemorate and enjoy the months preceding their weddings. Engagement photos memorialize the engagement and provide many additional benefits as well. 1. Engagement photo shoots give couples a chance to connect with their photographers. Booking an engagement photo shoot provides helpful information to both the couple and the photographer. The photographer gets to see how the couple interacts in front of the lens and can determine any insecurities or strengths and weaknesses couples may have. These lessons can be filed away and help make wedding day photos look better. Similarly, spending time with the photographer gives the couple an opportunity to

develop a rapport with their photographer. If couples and their photographer donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t click, scheduling an engagement shoot well in advance of the wedding gives couples a chance to find someone else to take their photos. 2. An engagement photo shoot gives couples time to spend together. An engagement photo shoot is an ideal time to spend an afternoon in a special location focusing on each other without wedding planning taking up your time. 3. Photo shoots provide a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera. Professional photographs taken before the wedding enable couples to view how they will appear in pictures. Seeing these photos might help couples

grow more comfortable in front of the camera. This practice can help couples temper their anxieties before the wedding. An engagement shoot also can be a great time for couples to speak with their photographers about angles or styles they prefer or dislike. 4. The bride and groom have savethe-date or social media photos. Engagement photographs can be used for save-the-date cards or social media postings (check with the photographer

for licensing agreements). This can be a great way to spread excitement about the upcoming nuptials. 5. Photo shoots provide a chance to experiment with vivid backdrops. Engagement photography gives couples plenty of opportunities to experiment with different locales, which may not be possible come the wedding day. Engagement photography can be a worthwhile inclusion in pre-wedding celebrations.